April 30, 2023
Tips For A Successful First Birthday Cake Smash Photo Session
- cake smash ·
- Birthday ·
- In Studio
Chattanooga Baby Photographer
Cake Smash Session Information
Why choose me as your Chattanooga baby photographer for cake smashes?
Cake smash sessions combine 3 of my favorite things: photography, cake, and babies! Most parents choose cake smash sessions for their child's first birthday but you can smash a cake at any age! As a Chattanooga baby photographer, I specialize in custom cake smash sessions for first birthdays or any birthday/special occasion that calls for cake! Your custom cake smash session can take place outside at a beautiful location or I can create a custom design in my home studio which is the perfect size for cake smashing!
I have 2 antique high chairs available for use and many cake plates and props to accent your perfect session. I even have some baby girl outfits available in my client closet if you need something special for your baby to wear. I love designing new sessions so let's chat about your vision for the perfect Chattanooga cake smash session!
Chattanooga Baby Photographer - Cake Smash Portfolio
A small collection of some of my favorite cake smash session images.
Christian Michelle PHotography is featured in
How your Cake Smash session works from start to finish.
Before your session
We will start with a quick planning phone call to discuss any themes or ideas you have for your baby's cake smash session and whether you want a cake smash session in the studio or at an outdoor location. I’ll even ask you to invite me to your Pinterest board so that I can see what you like as I design your session! I’ll give you a custom quote on the session fee depending on your chosen theme and we will select a date and I’ll get to work! Most cake smash session fees fall in the $200-$300 range. All images are purchased separately after you've seen them fully edited in an online gallery. Click here to see image collection pricing and how my session pricing works.
Most of my clients prefer to bring their own cake (homemade or otherwise) or I can include the cake for your session for an additional fee. I can also suggest a couple of local people and places that create the cutest cakes! I also have a small collection of cake plates to use for your session or you are welcome to bring your own.
DURING YOUR SESSION
I start each session with the typical milestone photos of your baby in the cute setup that we have planned. During the cake smash part of your session, I like to get a lot of photos of all the action plus pay special attention to the little details like icing-covered fingers. Babies generally know what to do when you put a cake in front of them (weird how that works) but I have some clever tricks and prompts to encourage any shy babies to get their hands in there and really smash that cake. One of my favorite photos to include in your gallery are the cake before the smash and what is left of the cake after.
After your session
I always plan for cleaning up, even when the location is outdoors. As a Chattanooga baby photographer, I like to leave any space I use better than I found it and this includes completely cleaning up after your cake smash session so that you can focus on your little one. For cake smash sessions that take place in my home, you’ll have access to the guest bathroom and I have plenty of wipes and towels available for you to use. You can even use the bathtub if it was a particularly successful cake smash!
What does it cost?
Cake smash session fees start at $200 and are custom quoted depending on what you want or need. Please contact me for your quote! The image collections start at $250 and are selected after you see your images fully edited in an online gallery. My clients plan to spend a minimum of $450+ on their session after the final images are selected.
Want to keep reading?
Check out these blog posts featuring cake smash sessions!
Cake Smash Session FAQ
Is a cake smash session only for first birthdays?
No way! Cake smash sessions are for any birthday or special occasion! I’ve seen ½ birthday cake smashes, 30th birthday cake smashes, dog birthday cake smashes. If there is cake and someone is willing to smash it, I’ll be there to photograph it!
Is the cake included?
Most moms prefer to provide the smash cake but I can provide one for an additional fee if you would like me to take care of it. Let's chat about what works best for you!
Should the cake smash be outdoors or in studio?
It depends! Sometimes the time of year will make indoors a necessity but if it's an option, the theme or look you want might do better outside or in studio. Let's chat about your ideas and design the perfect cake smash session!
What if my child won't cooperate or doesn't like cake?
It certainly wouldn't be the first time I've worked with kids who weren't interested in having their photos taken on a particular day. But don't worry, I've got some tricks up my sleeve when it comes to working with children and am very patient and understanding. I've even got tricks to make it look like they are eating cake even if they won't touch it! If you've got specific concerns unique to your children, let's talk!
What should my baby wear?
It is totally up to you but it should be something you don’t mind getting cake and icing all over. You may want to choose 2 outfits if you are worried about messing up something nice. I’m happy to help you find the perfect cake smash outfit or offer something from my client closet.
Can we do family photos or include siblings in the cake smash?
Of course! We can schedule your family photos before or after the cake smash on the same day or if you’d prefer 2 full sessions on separate days, I can offer you a deal on booking both at once.
I still have questions.
No worries! Message me your question and I’ll get right back to you.
Have you considered combining a cake smash session with a bath session?
I offer discounts for booking multiple sessions at once. Contact me below for details!
Would you like a free consultation to discuss a cake smash photo session?
Message me now to get started!